Zim GBC News | Crimes and Courts
Beitbridge, Zimbabwe – In separate incidents highlighting challenges within law enforcement, a detective based in Gwanda and his female accomplice have been arrested for drug trafficking, while three other police officers were granted bail for allegedly soliciting a US$40 bribe at an illegal roadblock.
Detective Leonard Mashava (35) and Oprah Nomagugu Ndavambi (27) were arrested on January 3 at the Bubi security checkpoint along the Beitbridge-Masvingo highway. Beitbridge Regional Magistrate Charity Maphosa remanded them in custody on Monday until January 19.
Prosecutor Willbrought Muleya said a routine search of their vehicle uncovered 155 cobs of marijuana and 2,650 bottles of banned cough syrup (Astra and Broncleer).
“Further searches were carried out in the car, which led to the recovery of 14 boxes wrapped with black plastics,” said Muleya.
The contraband has an estimated street value of over US$13,250.
The arrest comes as the government intensifies its anti-drug campaign. An Inter-Ministerial Committee has been established, and dedicated Drugs and Narcotics Units have been set up at key border posts, including Beitbridge.
In a unrelated case in Harare, three police officers were granted bail on Monday over a corruption scandal. Tendai Arimoni, Webster Mabhugu, and Taurai Masere were each granted US$100 bail by Magistrate Jesse Kufa for allegedly demanding a bribe from a motorist.
The State alleges that on December 31, the trio set up an illegal roadblock on Harare Street. They arrested a motorist for a traffic violation and subsequently demanded a bribe.
“Arimoni allegedly demanded US$150 as a fine but then offered to accept a US$40 bribe to let him go,” the prosecution stated.
Unbeknownst to them, the transaction was observed by the Harare Anti-Corruption Unit, leading to their arrest.
The two cases underscore ongoing issues of criminal conduct within some segments of the police force, even as authorities deploy new measures, including drone surveillance, to combat cross-border crime and corruption.
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